In addition to consulting, we provide onsite safety inspections and mock OSHA inspections. The more proactive a company can be in uncovering any potential hazards, the better they will be able to successfully protect their workers. An adage reminds us that a stitch in time saves nine.
Mock OSHA inspections are useful in helping companies to discover what issues and what possible fines they could receive if OSHA arrived by surprise on the jobsite. Mock OSHA inspections are, by nature, all about compliance with OSHA regulations.
I much prefer to deliver safety inspections that go above and beyond simple compliance. Compliance tends to focus on what the law requires. However, Mike Rowe once said that compliance was like a person “driving the speed limit in a snowstorm”. Regulations are important, but they are no replacement for common sense. By only focusing only on compliance, you might just miss some very important safety issues.
When I first begin onsite inspections, I make a comprehensive report on the possible safety risks that I identify. However, I typically choose one or two important things to share with the safety leader. Additionally, I create a list of toolbox talks to exchange with workers in future visits. In time, we assist them in making steady safety progress.
My team of bilingual safety professionals offer effective training in both English and Spanish. Since I have been doing site audits for a while, workers begin to recognize me. I sometimes hear the “whistle,” a warning signal that the safety guy is on site; straighten up before he arrives. The safety professionals and site superintendents often get to know the things I look for and adjust accordingly.
At this stage, another member of my team will conduct inspections with a different perspective. This way site audits remain fresh, and companies make continuous improvement. It takes longer for the workers to realize that the woman walking around snapping pictures is the safety guy!
Many insurance and other companies require a third-party safety consultant for jobsite inspections. They comprehend the benefit of adding that extra eye. I really love this job and especially cherish the opportunity to help my community to be safe. If you can use an extra set of good eyes, it would be my honor to receive your phone call or e-mail.
